Parenting is the hardest job we’ll ever do. And parenting a sensitive child who’s struggling can feel like an endless emotional marathon.
But what if raising your sensitive kid with big emotions could actually feel GOOD? Enter Raised Resilient with Dr. Hilary — the parenting podcast I wish I’d had as a first-time mama!
This podcast exists to support you as you parent your highly sensitive child — start at the beginning, or search below for the episode that’s most relevant for you right now!
Welcome to Raised Resilient with Dr. Hilary — empowering support for parents of sensitive kids with big emotions.

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Why Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working for Your Sensitive Child
(& 3 Shifts to Help You Parent More Effectively!)
Gentle parenting is often imagined as staying calm, speaking softly, and always keeping our cool—but that version of it just doesn’t work for highly sensitive kids. In fact, if you’ve ever tried to white-knuckle your way through frustration, you know it doesn’t help.

Featured
Rethinking Child Therapy: 5 Reasons Why It May Not Be the Best Approach for Sensitive Kids
Have you ever considered therapy for your sensitive child, hoping it might be the key to managing their meltdowns and learning to regulate their big emotions? If so, this episode offers 5 compelling reasons to reconsider this intervention — from a play therapist & parenting specialist.

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“You’re the Worst Mommy Ever!”: Navigating Children’s Mad Feelings
Anger is one of the trickiest emotions we deal with as parents. When our kids are angry – especially *at* us – it can be SO tough to stay calm and regulated and to respond in a way that feels good!
Parenting Reflections: Real Talk with My Husband on Parenting Sensitive Kids, Balancing the Mental Load, & How Marathon Training Prepared Us for Parenting
Tune in to this podcast episode for an engaging conversation where my husband and I tackle the ups and downs of parenting with raw honesty. We’re sharing how we maintain our connection while managing the challenges of raising highly sensitive kids and balancing the mental load. Expect personal insights, practical advice, and plenty of real talk about what it takes to co-parent effectively and stay united as a team.
100. 100 Episodes of Raising Resilient, Sensitive Kids: Our Most Downloaded Parenting Advice
We’re hitting a major milestone – 100 episodes of Raised Resilient! This podcast episode is all about celebrating the journey with a look back at the top 5 fan favorites, from tackling aggressive behaviors to mastering emotional validation. Plus, get excited for a special guest joining us on Friday. Don’t miss out on this exciting celebration and a peek into what’s coming next!
Parenting Reflections: Connection Over Correction: My Weekend Parenting Win (Without A Power Struggle!)
Just when you think you have everything under control, your highly sensitive child surprises you with unexpected challenging behaviors. In this podcast episode, I’ll offer guidance on staying present, understanding the root causes, and avoiding power struggles. Hear about a recent bedtime challenge I faced and the unexpected solution that worked. Plus, get ready for a special and fun 100th episode, coming soon!
99. Screens & Sensitive Kids Part 2: 5 Tips for Managing After-Screen Meltdowns
Is screen time always ending in meltdowns for your highly sensitive child? Tune in to the Raised Resilient podcast for part two of our series on Sensitive Kids and Screens. I’ll help you uncover the reasons behind these outbursts and give you 5 effective tips to manage them. Discover strategies to help your child transition smoothly from screen time and maintain emotional balance. Plus, grab your free copy of our Mastering Meltdowns guide for step-by-step support.
Aida’s Parenting Transformation Story: From Disconnected & Overwhelmed to Empowered & Confident in Just 8 Weeks
In this podcast episode, I interview Aida, a former Chaos to Connection program member, who shares her incredible journey from feeling disconnected and overwhelmed to becoming a confident and peaceful parent. Hear how she overcame the challenges of raising a highly sensitive child while breaking the cycle of her own childhood trauma. A true story of resilience, Aida’s story will reassure you that you are not alone in this journey.
98. Screens & Sensitive Kids Part 1: 5 Tips to Help You Set Your Child Up for Screen Success in 2024
Struggling with screen time management for your highly sensitive child? This episode kicks off a two-part series with five essential tips to help set your kids up for success with screens. Learn how screens impact emotions—often leading to big emotions and meltdowns!—and discover strategies to keep your child emotionally balanced and engaged. Plus, find out how my Chaos to Connection program can provide extra support for your parenting journey.
Parenting Reflections: Parenting Without Punishments: How It Actually Looks in Real Life (& Why It's So Important for Sensitive Kids!)
Curious about alternatives to punishing your highly sensitive child? You're in the right place. In this podcast episode, I'll share why punishment doesn't work and give you practical strategies for long-term success. With personal stories and actionable tips, we'll explore how to handle tough moments, build safety and connection, and support your child's growth.
97. “What if My Co-Parent Isn’t On Board?”: How to Navigate Different Parenting Styles Through a Divorce (& Even If You’re Still Together!)
Struggling with differing parenting styles in a coparenting relationship? In this podcast episode, I’ll address a listener's question on how to support your child when co-parents have different approaches. Discover strategies to validate your child's feelings, maintain balanced relationships, and navigate these tricky dynamics. Tune in for practical insights and tips to help your highly sensitive child thrive amidst varying parenting methods, and grow your bond with your child even stronger in the meantime.
Parenting Reflections: My #1 Ultimate Hack for Encouraging More Independent Play
Tired of resorting to screens to keep your child entertained? In this podcast episode, I’ll share a magical tip that transformed my weekend and encouraged my 3-year-old to play independently. Discover how to create a play space that supports development and boosts independent playtime. And watch your child go from hours of TV time to hours of blissful playtime without the guilt. Don't miss this game-changing advice for a more peaceful and productive home!
96. Understanding Sibling Dynamics: 3 Game-Changing Insights for Parents of Highly Sensitive Children
Wondering how to recognize the impact of highly sensitive children on sibling dynamics? Join me as we dive into the complexities of family interactions, uncovering valuable insights together. In this podcast episode, I’ll explore the profound influence of deeply feeling children on sibling relationships and glean practical strategies for promoting understanding and harmony among siblings. Plus, learn how our Chaos to Connection program can empower you to navigate these challenges with confidence and support.
Parenting Reflections: My Story of Navigating a Meltdown in Real Life (Even the Messy Parts!)
A recent calm and sunny afternoon turned chaotic when one of my children erupted following an argument with his sibling. In this podcast episode, I’ll share how I managed to calm him down using a silly game, transforming his anger into giggles and ending the day on a high note filled with connection. Tune in to discover strategies for handling similar situations and learn more about my Chaos to Connection program, designed to help you build stronger connections with your kids.
95. Addressing Unkind Words to Friends: A Listener’s Question About Highly Sensitive Kids
Wondering what to do when your highly sensitive child says “I hate you” to a friend? In this podcast episode, I explain how sometimes kids will say hurtful things out of curiosity rather than from a place of anger. We can address these moments without shame by coming from a developmental perspective and asking questions to get curious about their behaviors. Tune in for practical tips and compassionate strategies to help your child navigate friendships and develop emotional intelligence.
Parenting Reflections: Why Fun Outings Can Lead to Stressful Evenings with Highly Sensitive Kids (+ A New Resource!)
Struggling to understand why post-outing meltdowns happen? Wondering how to make winding down from an outing easier for your highly sensitive child? Tune in to this new podcast episode where I share my recent experience with my kids at an off Broadway production, and hear my tips on how to make outings feel more successful. Also, don’t miss the release of my brand new guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know”, a game changer for understanding your child’s sensitivity.
3 Tips for Managing After School Moods (& Reconnecting With Your Highly Sensitive Child!)
Do you find yourself dreading school pickup time, bracing for meltdowns and bad attitudes? You're not alone. In this podcast episode, I share 3 practical tips to help parents of highly sensitive kids manage the after-school transition. Learn why your child releases all their pent-up emotions as soon as they see you and how to break the dysregulation cycle. Tune in for strategies to turn after-school dread into a more manageable part of your day.
Parenting Reflections: From Chaos to Peace: Shilpa’s Transformation Story
Shilpa and her family were really struggling; between her eldest child being highly sensitive or deeply feeling, and adding in 3 younger siblings, chaos and empty threats had become the norm in her household. Listen as I interview Shilpa about her family’s experience in my Chaos to Connection program. Her inspiring story, and massive wins, will give you hope and help you see that you’re not alone.
93. 3 (Totally Normal!) Thoughts You Might Be Afraid to Share Out Loud as a Parent of a Highly Sensitive Child
Having shameful thoughts around parenting a highly sensitive child, and feeling like you’re the only one? In this podcast episode, I explain how you are far from alone in your thoughts and feelings surrounding parenting. I’ve been there and climbed out of it, and I can show you that you can too. Hear the 3 most common shame-inducing thoughts my prospective clients have in common, and what you can do to find compassion & resilience.
How We Conquered Disney with Highly Sensitive Kids (& Had the BEST Time!)
Have you been itching to take a Disney World vacation with your family, but wondering how your highly sensitive child will handle early morning rope drops and long lines? In this podcast episode, I let you in on the tips and tricks I utilized to keep my family happy while having the best time at Disney. Because here’s the thing: meltdowns still happen at the happiest place on Earth, but don’t worry - with the right action and the tips in this episode, you will conquer and your family will have a memorable vacation.
92. The Power of Rough & Tumble Play: Nurturing Resilience in Sensitive Kids
Is rough and tumble play something to encourage, or shut down? In this podcast episode, I explain four ways rough and tumble play encourages positive development in highly sensitive children. I will also give you examples of toys to have on hand to effectively set up your home to encourage rough and tumble play.
Parenting Reflections: Discovering Your Own Sensitivity as a Parent of a Highly Sensitive Child (& How to Embrace It!)
If you’re like me, the more you recognize your child’s highly sensitive nature, the more you also reflect on your own childhood and realize you have the same sensitivities. In this podcast episode, I get vulnerable and share some of my own childhood memories. I talk about how my own difficulties dealing with big emotions have impacted becoming a parent, and how I began to recognize sensitivity not as a burden, but a superpower.
91. Navigating Public Meltdowns With Your Highly Sensitive Child (& a Giveaway!)
Worried your child will have another meltdown out in public? You are not alone. In this podcast episode, I talk about 3 practical strategies to prepare you for handling meltdowns in a public place. Instead of feeling guilt and shame, you will instead feel more prepared to handle a meltdown with ease.